Wangcang county, located in Guangyuan city of Southwest China's Sichuan province, lit up for the Lantern Festival with a lively folk celebration that blends tradition and innovation, sending warm wishes for a prosperous Year of the Horse.

Heritage performances spark the Lantern Festival vibe. [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

The celebrations included rhythmic waist drum beats, melodious folk songs, and flowing tai chi performances, all expressing the joy of family reunion and hopes for good fortune.

Visitors dressed in hanfu strolled through scenic spots, while a long-table feast of spicy and sour noodles brought guests together to enjoy local flavors and the spirit of unity.

The long-table feast of hot and sour rice noodles draws guests from near and far. [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

A highlight was the intangible cultural heritage parade, starring the dynamic Mumen Fire Dragon Dance – a time-honored folk performance from Mumen town, Wangcang – and the agile Gaotai (High Terrace) Lion Dance, an acrobatic lion performance that features breathtaking stunts on stacked wooden platforms. These two iconic acts reflect Wangcang's deep cultural roots and the local people's enterprising spirit.

Drone light shows, combined with dazzling molten iron fireworks, lit up the night sky, breathing new life into age-old customs. Wangcang takes the Lantern Festival as a bridge to invite the world to appreciate China's intangible cultural heritage and embrace the new year.

The intangible cultural heritage parade captivates locals and tourists. [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]